REI Tempe moving & expanding

[Al_HikesAZ]

REI will be moving from the current location in Tempe to a new location in the Chandler Pavilions. Probably in March 2017

Saw the PHX Business Journal article http://www.bizjournals...

Chandler Pavilions about 5 miles south. Off I-10 between Chandler Blvd & Ray Road.

[te_wa]

that move will be great for Lower Gear.

[big_load]

The new location will be more convenient for me, since Mrs. big_load's sister lives near the Gilbert/Chandler line.

[SpiderLegs]

Good move for REI, that Tempe store was the smallest and dumpiest REI I've ever been in. Might help the Hiking Shack as well pull in a few new customers from Tempe.

[chumley]

I would bet that the current Tempe location has a pretty good profit margin compared to other stores based solely on the cost of rent. I have to believe that as the primary draw to an otherwise isolated and pretty crappy strip mall they were paying what might be half the price per square foot of the PV store, or the new Chandler location. The future of the current location is going to be interesting (and probably not positive). That corner of Tempe is not great, and the store was broken into recently, among other shady happenings nearby.

But the new location will be larger and the surrounding demographics feature much higher incomes and will probably result in much higher sales overall. I'm quite certain that corporate did the research/math prior to making the move.

It will take me a few more minutes to get to the new store, but it's not a big deal to me. I'm more annoyed that it'll be farther from the after-shopping trip to Boulders!

[Tough_Boots]

I imagine I'll be going to the Paradise Valley REI more often and maybe Hiking Shack a little more-- I need a good excuse to support my local businesses.

[LindaAnn]

For a variety of reasons, I don't go to REI very often, but the new location will be much more convenient for me on those rare occasions I do need to get something from there. And, just based on the feedback I've received from my friends, the women of Ahwatukee are VERY excited about the new location. I will miss grabbing a sandwich from Schlotzsky's though, I think that was half the reason I would stop by there.

[Grasshopper]

I will miss grabbing a sandwich from Schlotzsky's though, I think that was half the reason I would stop by there.

Funny.. and I totally agree- for their "original" sandwich with chips & drink ;)
(..and I suspect that Schlotzsky's will miss REI too!)

[hikeaz]

I will miss grabbing a sandwich from Schlotzsky's though, I think that was half the reason I would stop by there.

Funny.. and I totally agree- for their "original" sandwich with chips & drink ;)
(..and I suspect that Schlotzsky's will miss REI too!)

Across the way from the new location.......http://theshoppesatcasapaloma.com/1/food/ As well as myriad other eateries (Even Chipotle if you dare! )
Although the craft beer folks will likely head across the freeway to Mellow Mushroom... 1/2 off most all beers 3-6 weekdays.

[chumley]

Even Chipotle if you dare!

Chipotle hasn't killed anybody in weeks!

[cactuscat]

Visited an REI for the first time in at least a year today - was struck by the familiar and heart-warming smell of new gear when I walked in the door.
Someone should make an REI scented candle.

[Jim]

Must just be a warehouse, as it's huge and there are numerous loading bays, but there is a large REI building off the 303 in the far western valley/ nether-regions. I like to share.

[Al_HikesAZ]

Must just be a warehouse, as it's huge and there are numerous loading bays, but there is a large REI building off the 303 in the far western valley/ nether-regions. I like to share.

Yes that is the distribution warehouse in Goodyear.
http://www.azcentral.c...

REI, the Seattle-based specialty outdoor retailer, has announced plans to build a large distribution center along Loop 303 in Goodyear that will employ about 120 people.
. . .
The new distribution center is intended to help the company more efficiently serve the Southwest market that comprises 40 of its 140 stores, which are located in 33 states. The Valley has two stores, in Paradise Valley and Tempe.

[te_wa]

Someone should make an REI scented candle.

smells like VietNam, where all their gear is made.